I am a Home Brewer

Another quick post. Many of you out there have already seen these, but are always good for motivating me to make an impromptu trip the The Beer Nut.
The following video produced by homebrewers was created in response to a video produced about the craft brewing industry.

I am a Home Brewer

The original:

I am a Craft Brewer

My Bid for Nomination to the AHA Governing Committee

Below is the short written statement I provided to the American Homebrewer's Association (AHA) in my self nomination to the AHA Governing Board. I welcome your feedback or support.

"As a resident of the state of Utah I can attest to the benefit of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and its invaluable role within the homebrewing community. In 2006 when I first contacted the AHA to inquire if they would be interested in assisting an effort to legalize the hobby in Utah, I quickly found the AHA to be a responsive ally to homebrewers. I believe furthering the right to engage in this safe and responsible hobby, and safeguarding that right where it already exists is an important part of the AHA's mission. In the two years that I worked to legalize the hobby in Utah, I valued the efforts of AHA members and staff. As I prepare to graduate from the S. J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, I continue to remain interested in the actions of local, state and federal legislators, particularly as their actions pertain to the interests of homebrewers.
Of course the AHA's core mission is not that of a lobbyist group, but in my experience in working towards legislative change in favor of homebrewing I discovered the most important factor in furthering the hobby of homebrewing, both in the law and in the community, is education. Taking the opportunity to put a positive and responsible face to the hobby of homebrewing works wonders in changing the perceptions individuals have with regards to individuals brewing beer and beer in general. And putting that positive image on the hobby is exactly what the AHA does. Every time the AHA organizes a successful conference or event in a new city they are bringing a positive public image to the hobby of homebrewing. This has the triple benefit of 1) showing local law makers not only the responsible nature of homebrewers but also the economic benefit the hobby can bring; 2) educating individuals and attracting new members to the association and; 3) providing a sense of community to those who invest so much of themselves into the hobby.
The above mentioned strong sense of community, as shaped and reinforced through the AHA, being crucial to the vibrance of the hobby in the the United States. Through sponsored events, publications, and the Tech Talk Forum, the AHA provides opportunities for homebrewers to get together and engage in the free exchange of techniques, feedback, and fellowship that homebrewers are famous for.
It is through this supportive community that homebrewers can become stronger brewers and embrace the possibility of becoming a professional brewer, either through their own entrepreneurship or by contributing to an established brewery. Ultimately it is on adventurous homebrewers that the future of U.S. Microbrewery revolution, that has captured the world's attention and imagination, relies in order to ensure future generations of beer lovers can enjoy unique offerings in their community and grocery stores.
As an active homebrewer, AHA member, soon to be law school graduate, successful homebrew lobbyist, and first person witness to the value of the AHA to the homebrewing community I believe I can contribute positively to the AHA governing committee."

Seek Out Some Local Seasonal Brews

This article is a few days old, but is a nice reminder to look to local breweries in your area for great flavor discoveries in seasonal ales.


Fall beers: A change is in the pour

I Love It When a Plan Comes Together

As mentioned in my previous post, after some persistent urging from a fellow brewer, I shall prepare for and take the BJCP exam.
My friend Eric, who has given the BJCP exam a great deal of thought has amassed a substantial amount of study material for the exam and our goal is to work together to get ready for the exam.
Here is the tentative plan. If you have any thoughts on the approach I would love some feedback.
The exam is schedule for March 20, 2010. This falls a couple of months before graduation, and a therefore a good amount of time before I have to start preparing in earnest for another important exam.
We expect that getting together one night a week, every other week, will be enough to work through the material between now and the exam date.
I have yet to take a complete inventory of the study materials, but from a first glance they appear to be pretty thorough.
Now what may be the most exciting part. The podcast.
As you may know Mike the Hop Guy and I released a podcast that released episodes in fits and starts. Our content revolved largely around Mike's efforts at growing homegrown hops and my involvement in the legalization of the homebrewing hobby in Utah. It has been some time since I've been able to release a podcast episode (over seven months). I am hoping that the story of preparing for the BJCP exam will be some compelling material for those who might be interested in the exam themselves.